The greatest growth in ridership, according to officials, was not in the "traditional" commute to New York City, but among in-state riders during off-peak hours.

The figures mean that Metro-North remains the second-busiest commuter railroad in the country, after the Long Island Railroad. Both are managed by the MTA.

Gov. Dannel Malloy said the new data demonstrates the state's need to focus on a continued commitment to its transportation system, including rail.

"With record high ridership, commuters in Connecticut are increasingly choosing to use public transportation, demonstrating that a modern and efficient transportation network is one of the key components of a competitive economic climate," Malloy said.